Tigers sign McGonigle to 8-year, $150M extension

The Detroit Tigers locked up franchise shortstop Kevin McGonigle with an eight-year, $150-million contract extension that starts in 2027 and goes through 2034, the club announced Wednesday.

The deal includes a $14-million signing bonus, a $5-million assignment bonus if the player is traded, and performance escalators that can push the total value to $160 million.

McGonigle is the No. 2-ranked prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. The 21-year-old was selected with the 37th pick in the 2023 draft.

"Since I've been drafted by the Tigers, the way I am, I'm loyal,” McGonigle said Wednesday, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. "I want to stick in one spot and help a team to win a World Series."

McGonigle is slashing .311/.417/.492 with one homer, eight RBIs, and 11 walks in 17 games as a rookie after making the Tigers out of spring training.

"You guys have already seen (it) on the field," president of baseball operations Scott Harris said. "He has some rare gifts in the batter's box, but what might be less obvious is he has the grit and the determination to be great, to get the absolute most out of these gifts.

"He has put in so much time, effort, and energy and getting the most out of his gift so far, and we expect that to continue throughout this contract and deep into his career."

McGonigle's extension is the latest in a wave of deals for young shortstop prospects. Konnor Griffin inked a nine-year, $140-million contract less than a week after his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Colt Emerson signed an eight-year, $95-million pact with the Seattle Mariners and Cooper Pratt got an eight-year, $50.75-million deal from the Milwaukee Brewers before either player reached the majors.